The hostel market is booming in Guadalajara, and around Mexico in general as the country warms up to a concept that was born 100 years ago in Germany. Hostels differ from their older, more famous cousins, hotels, in a number of ways. Whereas guests in a hotel might interact with the reception desk and with room service by telephone, the whole design of the hostel encourages guests to interact with each other and promotes cultural exchange and activities in the city.
While frequently referred to as “youth hostels,” there is no upper age limit placed on guests of these installations. Their college dormitory-style sleeping arrangements and shared common areas that promote socializing with strangers tend to appeal more to an adventurous, younger crowd though.
And while they may have an image as dingy, insecure halfway houses to many who have never stayed in one, or as lures for the sick torture and butchery of unsuspecting travelers in certain Hollywood movies, these depictions couldn’t be much farther from the truth.
Modern hostels offer clean beds, shared or private rooms with private bathrooms for individuals or groups, communal kitchens and living areas, meals, drinks, laundry service, group outings and 24-hour reception for much less than the cost of a comparable hotel.
Outings could mean cheap trips to tourist spots such as Tequila, bike rides or even a night on the town.
Like hotels though, hostels run the gamut from bare bones to picturesque, so it behooves travelers to do a little research before venturing forth. The internet provides plenty of platforms for voyagers to investigate their options and read guest reviews.
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